Mazda CX-9 Named Autotrader ‘Must Test Drive’

I swear, Mazda must employ one very tired cabinet-maker, because its vehicles just scoop up awards by the handful. One of the largest (heh) winners has been the biggest vehicle in Mazda’s entire lineup—the three-row CX-9 SUV. The latest award is worth at least one handful by itself, as it comes from the well-regarded Autotrader, who named the 2017 CX-9 to the prestigious “Must Test Drive” list.

This won’t be the first time that the CX-9 has been praised by Autotrader, as its editors before have called the SUV “Overall best three-row crossover in the market,” and “100% worth the wait.” However, the Must Test Drive award comes as just as high of an honor—the list is determined by Autotrader’s editors, who identify the best new vehicles worth experiencing before making a final decision while car shopping. Each vehicle is evaluated on an array of criteria, including exterior style, interior quality, cargo capacity, technology, and ride quality.

This time, Autotrader’s editors praised the CX-9 for its “rare combination of luxury, efficiency, and driving dynamics,” particularly in Mazda’s typical Grand Touring trim level and the CX-9’s own unique Signature trim level. At that level, drivers get one special technology: Mazda’s Active Driving Display, which projects instrument and navigation information onto the windshield so drivers don’t have to take their eyes away from the road.

In just the Signature trim, that luxury is expanded to finishing touches like Auburn-colored Nappa leather, rosewood trim, and LED signature lights in the grille.